CLEVELAND, U.S. – Dominican pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, key figures for the Cleveland Guardians, will remain on administrative leave without pay. This decision comes as a judicial process unfolds related to an alleged illegal gambling case in MLB. The Major League Baseball announced that this measure was taken in agreement with the players’ union. It is important to note that this change of status does not imply an admission of guilt on the part of the players. Initially, both relievers were placed on paid leave in July 2025, when the investigations began. However, the situation changed as the legal process advanced, which resulted in their suspension without pay. According to the accusations, Clase would be involved in the manipulation of pitches in several matches between 2023 and 2025, allegedly in collaboration with bettors. Investigations suggest that these actions generated profits close to 400 thousand dollars on betting platforms.
For his part, Ortiz would have been linked to the scheme in June 2025.
As part of the legal measures, Clase surrendered his passport, has travel restrictions within certain states, and is under monitoring. This case has captured the attention of the professional baseball world, not only because of the seriousness of the accusations, but also because of the potential impact on the integrity of the game. In the sports world, Emmanuel Clase was establishing himself as one of the best closers in Major League Baseball, particularly in the 2024 season. Luis Ortiz, for his part, had proven to be a consistent member of the team’s pitching staff. The league has indicated that it will not issue further comments until the investigation concludes, while both players await the outcome of the judicial process.The stellar closer has rejected the charges and pleaded not guilty in federal court.
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